Advice on a B31 please

[chrisb]

My uncle has offered me the opportunity to buy his B31.  I'd be grateful for advice on 2 aspects.  Firstly, are they a difficult bike to 'take on'.  Secondly, he's asked me to find out what a reasonable price is for it.

So, the bike first of all.  It is a mid 1950s B31.  It has the suspension on the rear (but pre-swing arm) and is in a mid-green colour with chrome highlights.  It has done 31k miles and has been laid up for several years.  Some components showing signs of rust and the chrome is dull and has that pimple effect that old chrome gets.   Wheels are dull and chrome on wheels pitted.  Mechanically, he says it was sound when he last run it, but I imagine it would need a bit of an overhaul.  Cosmetically it looks reasonable but needs a bit of work (maybe rechroming etc?).

So to the second question.  I'm am not particularly experienced mechanically, but was comfortable taking on relatively simple jobs on my previous bike (a Honda VFR800).  I was happy doing servicing, changing brake pads/discs, and even changed the front fork internals and swapped out the rear shock, but have never taken the top off an engine - or heaven forbid - opened up a gearbox or clutch!  I feel reasonably comfortable following instructions, so the question is do you think I have the skill to take on a classic British bike, and are the good guides available which I can learn from (internet or hard-copy) - since I wouldn't know where to start otherwise!  (Or even how to get the bike started!  ).

I'd be grateful for advice on either of these 2 points above.  I really like the look of the bike and my uncle says he'll only sell it if it stays 'in the family'.  I'd like to keep it and restore it to its former glory - if I'm up to the task.

many thanks in advance for your help

[MALCOLM.JOHNSON]

It sounds like a plunger B31. Great bike, they still go even when worn out! Get it bought (from your uncle up to £2500 - privately up to £3500). Clean the chrome the best you can and using an oily rag over it and a spray here and there on the rusty bits with WD40, nothing will get any worse. I have had loads of fun on mine over the years in just that condition. Full restorations can easily cost £2000 to make them pretty again! Plenty of help here on the forum with running and riding. Plus you will always get your money back if it turns out not your thing, being a bit different to a Honda (you would be unlucky to lose your licence even if ridden flat out!).

[DerekAnderson8]

hi chrisb

totally agree with malcolm, it is designed to be easy for a home mechanic to carry out most tasks with ease. It hopefully wont need too much to get it back on the road. If i was you i would buy it and get it usable first and see if you like it. Plenty of advice on here from guys who have had them since they were new!

Regards

derek

[chrisb]

many thanks for your advice.  I'll make him a good offer (3k) and, fingers crossed, he'll agree to sell it. 

[Mark B]

Good decision. Just to back up the other opinions, I bought a B31 with the B33 engine five months ago. (Previous experience with 'British' singles was an Indian Enfield Bullet, just to find out how I would find living with an old single). It's proving to be a very good relationship: the bike is simple and easy to work on - if you can work on a modern bike and read a manual you should be fine. (Buy some Whitworth spanners!).  There's a knack to starting, but it's not difficult to pick up.  And it's a lovely thing to ride on the country roads as long as you plan your braking well ahead.

[chrisb]

Many thanks for all your replies.  Awaiting outcome on whether my uncle will still sell it.  Fingers crossed...

[Pete C]

I've had a B31 (Plunger) for some 14 years now and it never fails to bring a smile to my face. Easy to ride and work on.

Good luck!

(with a little work you can get the brakes to work well!)

cheers

[Cardiboy1]

50 years ago I owned a 1956 B31, the one with swing arm rear suspension, a 'swollen' headlamp nacelle, Ariel type brakes, and a magdyno electrical spec. It had a noisy tappet when I bought the bike. I owned it for about 3 years. In that time I rode it winter and summer, and did a round trip of Norway with it. The tappet wasn't any noisier when the bike was sold. The crank shock absorber was a persistent problem, needing attention regularly. Perhaps if I'd been cleverer with Loctite I would have bossed it. I rode the bike (gently) for a fortnight once waiting for replacements for a couple of broken piston rings. It had a top speed of just over 70mph, and would go 90 miles on a gallon of 2 star petrol. I basically ran it on my wages, Saturday job at Woolworths ( 30 bob a week). I loved that bike and wanted to be reunited but have failed to trace it. They have great character, you won't regret it.

[chrisb]

I'm delighted to report that I'll be the proud owner of a B31 (1954) in the next couple of weeks!

It hasn't run for a few years and I'd be grateful for advice on what to check/change/renew before trying to start it for the first time.   I plan to drain and change the petrol. Can I just change the oil ( and clean the filter) or should I try and clean the oil tank and sump too?   

[ducati2242]

There is usually a filter in the sump so you should remove the sump plate and clean it anyway . That way anything in the bottom of the engine will come out as well .